Differences in Perceptions of the Home Food and Physical Activity Environment Among Adult Dyads

Abstract

Research has shown that microenvironments such as homes and neighborhoods are associated with dietary and physical activity behaviors. This study examines self-reports of home and neighborhood environments of adult dyads living in the same household ( n = 83 dyads) and explores correlates of discrepant perceptions. Food and exercise equipment in the home and access to neighborhood recreational facilities were assessed. Agreement between pairs varied across measures, with dyads having less disagreement in reporting their physical activity environment compared with their food environment. Discrepancy indices were .20 for exercise equipment, .29 for neighborhood facilities, .25 for fruits, .26 for drinks, and .28 for vegetables and snacks/other foods. Differences in education, food shopping behavior, fat intake, BMI, and physical activity were associated with discordance in reporting among dyads. Results suggest that co-dwelling adults perceive their home and neighborhood environments differently. This has implications for how microenvironments are measured and how data are interpreted.